The Names by Florence Knapp (ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025
My next book and REVIEW - 25 Alive (ebook)
25 Alive (Women's Murder Club series) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (ebook)
OVERVIEW
I totally forgot to post. I started and finished this book today, with about ten pages last night. That may sound like a lot of reading, but the book had a LOT of white space!
This is the 25th+ book in the very, very, very long (too long) Women's Murder Club series. Of course, it ended on a cliffhanger AGAIN!
Normally, I would say read the previous novels in the Women's Murder Club series to get the full backstory and understand the characters. Don't do it - this series is not worth that much time!
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars.
Writing: 3.0 stars
The writing is like assembly-line writing to me. I wonder how much involvement James Patterson has with this series anymore, since he has had an "assistant" writer since the first book in this series.
Character development: 3.0 stars
The main characters are Lindsay (SFPD detective), Yuki (assistant district attorney), Claire (chief medical examiner), and Cindy (newspaper reporter). These four women have been personal and professional friends for a very long time.
The secondary characters are the personal partners, work partners, and assorted friends and family.
The tertiary character is Martha, Lindsay's dog.
There has not been any real or interesting character development with any of the main or secondary characters for a long time. The only real changes are the different "guest" characters, and this time, there were two separate groups.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
There were some horrible and shocking murders, but nothing really happened to the main characters. Plus, a cliffhanger - shocker! There was no setup to end the series, so there are obviously more bland novels to come.
The main locations were primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Memorable/Informative: 2.5 stars
This series is getting tired. Please, James Patterson, bring it to a conclusion so I know how all of the characters end up. I have invested too much time.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
I have no idea what the book cover has to do with the story.
Book title: 3.0 stars
The rhyme of the two words, twenty-five and alive, is possibly where the book title comes from. There is no connection to the story at all.
Lukewarm Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
25 Alive (Women's Murder Club series) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
330 pages
Little, Brown and Company
Release date: 4/28/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Death, grief, child death, death of a parent, violence, gun violence, murder, cursing, bombing, medical content, blood, gore
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, June 19, 2025
REVIEW - The Poppy Fields (ebook)
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is Nikki Erlick's second novel. Her first novel, The Measure, was a huge success.
However, this book is not The Measure and covers a completely different topic - grief. It is speculative fiction, which may or may not appeal to the readers of her first novel.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it!
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars.
Writing: 3.5 stars
The writing was the weakest part of this book for me. This is not "The Great American novel", but it was a nice escape from the heavy books that I have recently been reading.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Ava (an artist traveling to connect with her estranged sister), Ray (a firefighter trying to find answers to a recent death), and Sasha (an occupational therapist recovering from her fiancée's death).
The secondary characters are Emmy (Ava's sister) and Sky (a young traveling free-spirit).
The tertiary characters are the mysterious "Poppy Fields", the clients, and the employees/scientists.
There were the appropriate number of characters, but they weren't developed as I prefer. The character development could have been stronger.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline is about the "Poppy Fields," where people with grief trauma can gain relief from the pain with a drug.
Ava, Ray, and Sasha meet after a tornado at the Kansas City airport. They rent a car to travel to the "Poppy Fields," which is their final destination. Along the way, they meet Sky, who joins them on the journey. They eventually arrive at the "Poppy Fields," and all is revealed (no more details as this is a non-spoiler blog).
The locations were primarily Kansas City, Missouri, and the route to the Southern California desert.
Memorable/Informative: 3.0 stars
The question is whether it is better to heal from grief naturally or try to take a shortcut. It really doesn't get fully answered for me.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
Pretty, but it wasn't what the storyline was about.
Book title: 3.0 stars
It isn't about the "Poppy Fields," but rather about the main character's journey to them.
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick
316 pages
William Morrow
Release date: 6/17/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Death, grief, child death, death of a parent, cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Eternal Flame (audiobook)
Eternal Flame by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is an authorized biography of THE BANGLES by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike. Unfortunately, Micki (bassist) did not participate in the development with the author (which I didn't realize until I read a few reviews, bummer).
This memoir was a muddled, repetitive, and monotonous mess. As an audiobook, it didn't work at all, and it may be better as a physical or digital book. But, I wouldn't count on it.
Full disclosure, I saw THE BANGLES at the now-defunct Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre as the opener for THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS in 1984. This was after their first corporate record came out. Remember, Nancy?
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.0 stars
The writing was stilted, repetitive, and uninteresting. Even the few juicy tidbits didn't make up for the bad writing!
This was not the right person to write this book. So many qualified writers could have done a better job.
Narration: 3.0 stars
The narration was by the author and was horrible. She tried to add sighs, groans, and the appropriate responses, which sounded silly. It was not her story to narrate.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are the band members, both current and former.
The secondary characters are the parents, record label, producers, and managers.
The tertiary characters are the fans - the good, bad, and the ugly.
There is a huge cast of characters, and so many names that it was hard to remember who was who.
Memorable: 4.0 stars
What was most interesting to me was that "The Girls" (as the band refers to themselves per the memoir) played their own instruments well, wrote many of their songs, harmonized well, and were from Los Angeles.
The ganging up on one another, whining, and not speaking up to resolve issues was sad. They broke up before their legacy could be fully established.
Entertaining/Educational: 4.0 stars
This book made me reminisce about the 1980s, as I was close in age to them. Many of the locations, clubs, and local places mentioned are very familiar to me as a native Angeleno. Also, I had similar hair, totally!
But if you are looking for gossip, this isn't the book for you. Other than the "Prince connection" and the band's infighting, THE BANGLES were solid.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Okay.
Book title: 4.0 stars
Weird, as The Girls didn't like this song!
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
11 hours, 58 minutes
Da Capo Press
Release date: 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Cursing, family dysfunction, sexism, misogyny, bullying
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
REVIEW - Smoke on the Wind (eARC/ebook)
Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is my first book by Kelli Estes, and it won't be my last! It combines my 21% Scottish heritage with the mysticism of the Scottish Highlands. The two created a lovely story!
As a lover of historical fiction, I was thrilled that it had nothing to do with World War II (yeah, me)! I'm looking forward to reading Kell's previous books and anything else that she writes!!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Kelli's writing is so descriptive, intense, and poetry-like. She writes for two time periods and nails them both!
The use of the Gaelic language is so gorgeous, and she liberally sprinkles it throughout the novel like little pieces of fairy dust!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The four main characters are two pairs of mother and son: Sorcha and Aonghas in 1801, and Keaka and Colin in the present day. Both sets experience similar situations and yet different situations. Two hundred years do not change a mother's love or sacrifice for her son.
The secondary characters are bad guys in 1801 and fellow hikers on the West Highland Way in the present day. Also, both mothers are widows, and their deceased husbands play fairly big roles in their lives.
The tertiary characters are the West Highland Way and Highlands mysticism (I cannot say too much, or it will ruin the plot).
This book developed the characters well. The four main characters develop individually and as family groups.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is told in two timelines. Sorcha and Aonghas are fleeing an erroneous murder charge in 1801, Highlands, Scotland, while Keaka and Colin are hiking the West Highland Way as a last adventure before Colin matriculates at Glasgow University. Their lives mysteriously intertwine together into a beautiful and satisfying ending.
The location was primarily the West Highland Way, the Scottish Highlands, and Glasgow.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I learned something new again by reading historical fiction. I knew absolutely nothing about the Highlands Clearances from 1750 to 1860. Now, I need to review my Scottish ancestry to see if this is the time when they emigrated to the United States.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Pretty.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes
390 pages
Lake Union Publishing
Future release date: 7/24/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Fire, murder, war, physical assault, confinement, hunger, death of a parent, medical content, blood, gore, mild cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, June 13, 2025
REVIEW - The Eights (ebook)
The Eights by Joanna Miller (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is Joanna Miller's debut book, a historical fiction novel. What an intense, but wonderful story. She has a great career ahead!
It took me a while to get into as I didn't know many of the British terms, specifically the unique Oxford language. Of course, AFTER I finished the book, I found the glossary! UGH!
I hadn't considered the proximity of World War I to the time covered in this historical novel. The flashbacks by each of the four main characters involved the war in some way and were difficult to read, which is why we need to read books like this!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was a dichotomy. At times, the prose was like reading beautiful poetry. Also, it was very raw, real, and horrific. Joanna combined the two so well without stabbing our hearts with more than we could take.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Otto, Marianne, Dora, and Beatrice, who share Corridor Eight at Oxford in 1920. They are among the first women to matriculate for degrees and full membership.
The secondary characters include the friends, family, and classmates of the four main characters' Freshman year (1920-1921) and in flashbacks. Unfortunately, I cannot elaborate too much about the Freshman year and the flashbacks, as it could spoil the plot of the book.
The tertiary characters are World War I and Oxford.
This was one of the best books I have read with such exceptional character development. I can visualize and picture the main characters in my mind and heart, even if they are fictional.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline details how the four main characters, who are incredibly different, become fast friends. They go through being newbies, testing, and hazing by male students. Yet they each have a buried secret that eventually is shared during the school year.
The location was primarily Oxfordshire, England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I did not realize that Oxford admitted women to matriculate earlier than either Harvard (1953), Yale (1969), or Caltech (1970), but later than Stanford (1891). This is so fascinating to me. My big question is why?
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
A great double entendre.
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Eights by Joanna Miller
382 pages
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Release date: 4/15/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
War, sexual content, sexual assault, pregnancy, death of a parent, medical content, blood, gore, mild cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
My next audiobook is ...
Eternal Flame by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Boat Baby (audiobook)
Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is Vicky's memoir. I absolutely loved this audiobook!
I must confess that I didn't know who Vicky was or anything about her memoir until I saw a reel on Instagram. Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I have not watched any network television news, so I am out of the loop.
Interestingly, my niece, Julia, is reading this book also. I hope her career trajectory is similar to Vicky's, as she is also a television reporter.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Vicky writes strongly, beautifully, and so well.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was powerful and well-done. Vicky is an on-air journalist, so I am not surprised, but rather incredibly impressed.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Vicky and her parents, who were Vietnamese refugees who immigrated to the United States in 1979.
The secondary characters are Brian (Vicky's husband) and his parents, as well as her three children.
There is a huge cast of characters, from the assorted family in Vietnam and the United States, friends from various aspects of Vicky's life, co-workers, and her mentors.
There are so many characters whose names I have already forgotten, but it wasn't important for me. It was about understanding how Vicky and her family developed into better people due to the kindness of strangers.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
What was most interesting to me was the similarities between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures. So many stories resonated with me as my husband is an ABC (American Born Chinese), and it was as if Vicky was talking about his extended family.
Side note: Vicky mentions that the "West Coast is the best coast"! I agree with her wholeheartedly!
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
Vicky made me laugh out loud a few times and helped me understand how difficult and brave it was to escape Vietnam.
Basically, it is exactly like the immigrants who are currently being harassed and kidnapped in Los Angeles by ICE. The vast majority commit no crimes and just want to live in peace and support their family.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Adorable.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen
7 hours, 50 minutes
Simon & Schuster Audio
Release date: 4/1/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: War, racism, xenophobia, death of a child, murder, violence, family dysfunction, pandemic
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, June 9, 2025
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